Workshop on Engaging States to Scale up eCooking

India is on track to be one of the largest economies in the world and will account for 20% of the world’s population by the middle of the century. Therefore, India’s climate change efforts are going to have a significant impact on the entire planet. With its Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), India is showing the way to the world and has taken the lead in building a sustainable future for all of us. While the average carbon footprint per person in India is only 40% of the global average, still, India has still been pro-active in identifying this untapped potential of bringing changes in its mitigation approach. The roadmap for energy transition adopted by the government is to shift it from other forms of energy to electricity.  Over the last decade, the Government of India’s efforts in providing electricity access to the country’s population has been commendable.

In the context of clean cooking, eCooking is becoming increasingly sustainable and an efficient and cost-effective alternative to fossil fuel-based cooking energy. India has witnessed a growing market for induction cookstoves, with an estimated 10 million units in 2020-21. BEE has been a pivotal force in advocating for the transition to eCooking in our country, driven by a commitment to the well-being of our citizens, the environment, and the Indian economy. BEE’s commendable efforts under the “Go Electric campaign”, promoting eCooking and EV, coupled with strategic engagements with stakeholders at both central and state levels, have significantly heightened awareness of the manifold benefits of these initiatives. Noteworthy is the promotion of Star-labelled Induction cookstoves, a crucial step in fostering energy-efficient cooking practices and consumer sensitization. Despite these efforts, the uneven progress in the adoption of eCooking devices, even in major cities, suggests the need for continued policy support, targeted incentives, and increased consumer awareness.

Since 2019, the Modern Energy Cooking Service (MECS) has been steadfastly dedicated to the promotion of eCooking. MECS’s extensive efforts and research in the realm of eCooking have successfully influenced and contributed to policy initiatives. Notably, MECS has played a pivotal role on the supply side by establishing platforms such as the Talk series, collaborating with institutions to build evidence, and aiding manufacturers in entering the clean cooking market—an accomplishment of significant importance. The exemplary roadmap set by MECS includes impactful work in demand aggregation through strategic partnerships with organizations like Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL). The consistent support from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) further underscores the commendable nature of these continuous efforts.

The Energy Conservation Act of 2001 establishes a two-tier organizational structure, with BEE at the central level and at the state/union territory level, State Designated Agencies (SDAs) and State Nodal Agencies (SNAs) play a pivotal role in promoting energy efficiency, especially in tailoring energy-efficient cooking solutions to local conditions. While certain states have already initiated projects for eCooking, the workshop will deliberate on the necessity of enhanced policy support, targeted incentives, financial support and awareness campaigns to ensure widespread adoption of clean cooking technologies across diverse regions in India.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency(BEE) is organising a Workshop on “Engaging States to Scale-up eCooking” in collaboration with Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) Programme through its In-country Partner, Finovista. on 12th December 2023 at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi to deliberate on the strategies and the next steps for scaling up the Induction Cooktops and the role of the State government agencies in the transition to electric cooking in India. The workshop’s discussions will centre on scaling up eCooking, emphasizing the indispensable role of state agencies in facilitating this transition.